Southern Railway observes Energy Conservation Week
Southern Railway marches ahead in tapping alternative sources of energy
Total installed capacity of Solar Plants is 5.07 MWp - 18.30 Million Units of Solar energy generated so far – Savings to the tune of Rs.8.03 Crores achieved
Wind Mill generation installed capacity is 10.5 MW – 100 Million Units of Wind energy generated so far – Savings to the tune of Rs.55.71 Crores attained
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Southern Railway Chennai Division installs Solar/Wind Hybrid Systems
100% LED light fittings in all railway premises
Southern Railway is making huge strides in energy conservation with progressive efforts to harness renewable energy sources. Energy Conservation Week was observed by the railway between 8th and 14th December 2022 as a means of promoting energy conservation among employees, rail users, and the general public. In this connection, a host of events were held all over Southern Railway divisions, Headquarters office and workshops which culminated on Energy Conservation Day (14th December 2022). As part of the week, essay writing and quiz competitions, Seminars, Display of posters and banners, and awareness drives by distributing pamphlets to employees and rail users were held all over the zone.
Southern Railway’s energy conservation efforts
Realising that rail transport plays a crucial role in achieving net zero carbon emissions, Southern Railway focuses on proliferation of Solar, Wind and other alternative energy sources across its vast expanse. The following are some of the noteworthy achievements of the zone in this direction:
Harnessing Solar Power
Total installed capacity of solar plants so far in Southern Railway is 5.07 MWp. The annual solar energy generation during 2021-22 is 5.47 million units which amounts to a notional savings of Rs.2.386 Crores. The total energy generated so far by these solar plants is 18.30 million units which amounts to a notional savings of Rs 8.03 Crores.
Tapping Wind Energy
Presently, Wind mill generation installed capacity is 10.5 MW in Southern Railway. The annual energy generation during 2021-22 is 25.68 million units which amounts to a notional savings of Rs.14.54 Crores. The total energy generated from the installations is 100 million units which amounts to a notional savings of Rs.55.71 Crores.
Chennai Division’s novel initiative
In a first, Chennai Division installed three units of 1.5 KWp Hybrid (Solar/Wind) systems at Chennai Suburban Terminal (MMC), New General Office Annexe Building & Light House station in September 2022.
Other noteworthy initiatives on energy conservation
The following energy conservation efforts were made by Southern Railway:
·100% conversion of conventional lights to LED in all its premises
·Proliferation of BLDC fans for ceiling and air circulators.
·Timers for lights at stations, street lights, yard lights, manual control of lights as per need, energy savers for air circulators and welding plants
·VVVF drives for Lifts, escalators, battery chargers, cranes, generation testing in coaches.
·Star rated and inverter based air conditioners
·Occupancy sensors for lights, Air conditioners in officers chambers and meeting halls
Southern Railway is making a headway in its energy conservation efforts in line with Indian Railways’ mission to become the largest Green Railways in the world.
